TOKES

TOKES, or the National Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific or Educational Purposes, is one of three animal welfare committees established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

TOKES was established in 2013, when the European Parliament and Council Directive 2010/63/EU came into effect. The directive contains regulations on how animals used for scientific or educational purposes should be managed.

The committee was established to promote the principle of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (the 3Rs principle). In accordance with the directive, TOKES advises authorities and operators on best practices related to the acquisition, breeding, housing, and use of animals.